Super Susie takes on Everest hike for Ark

October 11, 2018

Susie Webster is an amazing lady. Less than two years after undergoing treatment for breast cancer, she is gearing up for a challenging fundraising hike to Everest because she wants to prove that there are no limits to what cancer survivors can do.

This weekend, mother-of-three Susie will join a group who will hike through the Solu Khumba in Nepal, from Lukla to above Everest Base Camp – walking between four and eight hours a day at altitude in testing conditions.

Susie, who is 60 and lives in Beech, is taking on the massive personal challenge because she wants people to see what cancer survivors can achieve – and she is also keen to help future cancer patients, and their loved ones, by raising as much money as possible for Ark Cancer Centre Charity and the new NHS cancer treatment centre it is helping to fund.

“I have a real sense of purpose in taking on this challenge,” said Susie. “It would be easy for me to do something less demanding, but cancer treatment is demanding so it seems a fitting way to give something back to the local community for the excellent care I received at Basingstoke hospital.”

Susie added: “When I was undergoing my radiotherapy treatment in Basingstoke, I noticed a poster on the back of the changing room door about Ark and the planned new cancer treatment centre.

“I knew in that moment that I must do something when I was feeling better, and I am delighted that the time to do that has now come.

“This will be a once-in-a-lifetime trek and it will be a real challenge but getting through breast cancer was equally challenging, and since my diagnosis in April 2016, I have always thought: ‘If I can get through this, I can get through anything’.”

Susie has been training hard for up to six times a week at Results Health Club in Alton, under the guidance of her trainer James Chuter, from Allsports Therapy. This has helped her to recover from her cancer treatment and has made sure that she is in the best possible condition to take on the hike.

The HR administrator is self-funding her place on the 16-day trip, and is hoping that her determination to take on this tough trek will strike a chord with supporters.

“This will be a massive achievement for me,” said Susie. “I want to raise as much as I can for Ark and the cancer treatment centre project, and I hope that I will also be able to give other people hope and inspiration.”

Mark Jones, director of fundraising and communications for Ark Cancer Centre Charity, said: “Susie is an amazing lady, and Ark is proud and honoured that she is taking on this considerable feat to support the charity and the cancer treatment centre project.

“Good luck to Susie, and thanks to all the people who give her the sponsorship support and encouragement that she richly deserves."